Ludhiana is bracing for a crucial hearing at the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday, as 11 separate petitions concerning pollution in Buddha Nullah have been clubbed into a single case. The matter revolves around allegations that dyeing industries in Ludhiana are discharging untreated or inadequately treated effluents into the Buddha Nullah, causing severe water contamination.Environmental activists and members of the Public Action Committee (PAC) have accused the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) of failing to enforce NGT’s previous orders, particularly those directing closure of outlets from Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) operated by dyeing industry associations. Activists claim that despite repeated directives, effluents continue to be discharged into the drain, posing a threat to public health and the environment.In response, the PPCB has submitted a short reply to the tribunal, stating that it has taken action against the violators. The board claims to have imposed environmental compensation (EC) on the CETPs for non-compliance. Specifically, the 50 MLD CETP at Tajpur Road has been fined Rs 2.49 crore since its inception. The 40 MLD CETP, also at Tajpur Road, has been penalised Rs 2.96 crore, and a bank guarantee of Rs 75 lakh has been encashed. Meanwhile, the 15 MLD CETP at Bahadur K Road has been fined Rs 4.5 crore.The hearing will also address the issue of 54 scattered dyeing units allegedly discharging effluents directly into the sewer system connected to Buddha Nullah. Several appeals have been filed by industry associations challenging PPCB’s orders. These include: Punjab Dyers Association’s appeals against PPCB’s orders dated September 25 and 26, 2024, to stop discharge from the 50 MLD and 40 MLD CETPs, Bahadur Ke Textiles Knitwear Association’s appeal against similar orders dated September 25, 2024, concerning the 15 MLD CETP, appeals against revocation of consent to operate the 40 MLD CETP at Jamalpur, Awana and challenges to EC orders issued in December, 2024 and January, 2025, including a Rs 3.73 crore penalty imposed on Bahadur Ke Textiles.The Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC) has also stepped in, issuing show cause notices to all three CETPs following recent inspections that revealed serious lapses. A report submitted by the ministry highlights the lack of compliance and implementation of previous directives.As the NGT prepares to hear the consolidated case, officials from multiple government departments and industry representatives are expected to face tough questions. The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for environmental governance and industrial accountability in Ludhiana.Key AllegationsActivists & PAC accuse Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) of failing to enforce NGT ordersThe main concern is discharge of untreated/partially treated effluents from dyeing units and CETPs into Buddha NullahEnvironmental Compensation (EC) Imposed–50 MLD CETP (Tajpur Road): Rs 2.49cr–40 MLD CETP (Tajpur Road): Rs 2.96cr and Rs 75 lakh bank guarantee encashed15 MLD CETP (Bahadur K Road): Rs 4.5 croreIndustry AppealsPunjab Dyers Association: Challenging PPCB orders dated Sept 25 & 26, 2024Bahadur Ke Textiles Knitwear Association: Challenging EC and discharge stoppage ordersOther Appeals: Against revocation of consent to operate and EC notices issued in Dec 2024 & Jan 2025Government ActionMoEF&CC Issued show-cause notices to all three CETPsInspection findings: Serious lapses and non-compliance reportedReport submitted: Highlights failure to implement previous directivesWhat’s at stake54 Scattered Dyeing Units: Allegedly discharging effluents directly into sewer linesActivism and legal battles could reshape environmental accountability and industrial regulation in Ludhiana
